What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Your Complete Dental Emergency Guide

Part 1: What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

First, it's important to understand the difference between a dental problem that is urgent and one that is a true emergency.

• Urgent (See us within 24-48 hours): A lost filling, a dull toothache, or a small chip in a tooth that isn't causing pain. These are important, but not critical.

• Emergency (Call us immediately for a same-day appointment): This involves any of the following. If you are experiencing any of these, call us right away.

Call Us Immediately If You Have:

• A knocked-out adult tooth.

• A severe, throbbing toothache that doesn't stop.

• A tooth that is badly cracked, broken, or dislodged (pushed out of place).

• Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums (this can be a sign of a serious infection).

• Uncontrolled bleeding in your mouth.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Instructions for Common Dental Emergencies

Here is your dental emergency guide for handling the most common situations.

Situation 1: A Knocked-Out Adult Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

Time is the most critical factor here. If you act quickly, the tooth can often be saved.

• Step 1. Stay Calm and Find the Tooth.

• Step 2. Handle the Tooth by the Crown. DO NOT touch the root (the long, pointed part). The root has sensitive fibers that are essential for re-implantation.

• Step 3. Gently Rinse the Tooth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it for a few seconds with milk or a gentle stream of cool water. DO NOT scrub it, wipe it with a cloth, or use any soap.

• Step 4. Try to Re-implant the Tooth. If possible, gently push the tooth back into its socket. Hold it in place by biting down on a clean piece of gauze or a wet tea bag.

• Step 5. If You Can't Re-implant It, Keep It Moist. This is essential. DO NOT let the tooth dry out. The best place to store it is in a small cup of cold milk. You can also place it in your mouth between your cheek and gum (if you are old enough not to swallow it). Do not use water for storage.

• Step 6. Call Us Immediately. You must get to a dentist, ideally within 30-60 minutes.

Situation 2: A Severe, Throbbing Toothache (Possible Abscess)

This type of pain is a signal from your body that you have a deep infection.

• Step 1. Rinse Your Mouth. Vigorously rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help clean the area and draw out some of the fluid causing the pressure.

• Step 2. Gently Floss. Try to gently floss around the tooth to ensure no food particles are lodged and causing the pain.

• Step 3. Use a Cold Compress. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 20-minute intervals. This will help reduce swelling and numb the pain.

• Step 4. DO NOT Apply Heat. Heat can make an infection worse and draw it into the surrounding tissues.

• Step 5. DO NOT Put Aspirin on the Tooth. Never place aspirin or any painkiller directly against the gum, as this can cause a painful chemical burn.

• Step 6. Call Us for an Emergency Appointment. An abscess is a serious infection that can spread to your jaw and other parts of your body. It will not go away on its own.

Situation 3: A Badly Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth

• Step 1. Rinse Immediately. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.

• Step 2. Save Any Pieces. If you can find any large pieces of the broken tooth, save them and bring them with you.

• Step 3. Apply a Cold Compress. Use a cold pack on your face over the area of the injury to minimize swelling.

• Step 4. Apply Gauze. If the tooth has a sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek, cover it with a small piece of dental wax (available at most pharmacies) or sugar-free gum.

• Step 5. Call Us. A broken tooth can expose the inner nerve, leading to pain and infection. It needs to be assessed and repaired.

Situation 4: Facial Swelling (Gums, Cheek, or Jaw)

• Step 1. Call Us Immediately. This is not a "wait and see" situation. Swelling is a clear sign of a significant infection (abscess) that is spreading.

• Step 2. Apply a Cold Compress. This can help with discomfort, but it is not a cure.

• Step 3. Seek Medical Attention if Needed. If the swelling is severe and you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

Part 3: What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Visit

When you arrive at Gardens Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry for an emergency, our team is trained to handle the situation with speed and compassion.

1. Immediate Triage: Our first priority is to assess your condition and get you out of immediate pain.

2. Diagnosis: We will likely take digital X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan to get a clear picture of what's happening beneath the surface.

3. Explanation of Options: Our dentists, Dr. Hans Almanzar or Dr. Jesse Lemoine, will calmly and clearly explain the problem and your treatment options. Whether it's a root canal to save an infected tooth or an extraction for a non-restorable one, you will be in complete control of your care.

4. Definitive Treatment: We will perform the necessary procedure to stop the pain, treat the infection, and create a plan to restore your smile's health and function.